Weight Watchers-Friendly Swedish Apple Cake
Ingredients:

  • Cake:
    • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (as a substitute for ½ cup butter)
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda for lower points)
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (consider using whole wheat flour for more fiber)
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
    • 3 cups diced & peeled apples (~2 large apples)
    • Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (use sparingly or omit for lower points)
  • Caramel:
    • ½ cup brown sugar (use a sugar substitute like Stevia brown sugar for lower points)
    • 2 tablespoons fat-free half & half
    • 2 tablespoons light butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray or use a parchment paper lining.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
    • In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, beat the unsweetened applesauce and sugar substitute until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Ingredients:
    • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using).
  5. Bake the Cake:
    • Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Caramel:
    • When the cake has been baking for 30 minutes, start the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar substitute, fat-free half & half, and light butter over medium-low heat. Stir often until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  7. Add Caramel to Cake:
    • Remove the cake from the oven and pour the caramel sauce over the top. Return the cake to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is set and the cake is cooked through the center.
  8. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Applesauce Substitute: Using unsweetened applesauce instead of butter reduces the fat content and lowers the points without compromising the moistness of the cake.
  • Sugar Substitute: Opting for a sugar substitute helps to reduce the overall calories and points while maintaining sweetness.
  • Light Caramel: Using a light butter and fat-free half & half in the caramel sauce keeps it creamy while lowering the fat content.

Benefits:

  • Lower Fat and Calories: By substituting butter with applesauce and using a sugar substitute, this version significantly reduces the overall fat and calorie content.
  • Fiber-Rich: The apples and optional whole wheat flour provide dietary fiber, which can help with digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
  • Satisfies Sweet Cravings: This cake offers a satisfying dessert option that can fit into your Weight Watchers plan without derailing your progress.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 12 servings total):

  • Calories: ~150 kcal
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Fat: ~3g
    • Saturated Fat: ~1g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30g
    • Fiber: ~2g
    • Sugars: ~18g (using sugar substitute)
  • Weight Watchers Points: Approximately 5 points per serving (may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes)

This Weight Watchers-friendly Swedish Apple Cake lets you enjoy a classic dessert with a healthier twist, perfect for staying on track with your wellness goals.